Tanga wards embrace ‘3r’ waste management model following PCCB assessment

TANGA: THREE wards in Tanga City have adopted the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” (3R) approach in solid waste management, following a systems review conducted by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).

The initiative aims to enhance environmental sustainability and ensure compliance with national waste management regulations.

This was revealed by Acting Tanga Regional PCCB Commander, Mariam Mayaya, during the bureau’s quarterly performance briefing, which covered operations from January to March this year. She identified the three wards now implementing the 3R model as Central, Chumbageni and Ngamiani Kati.

According to Ms Mayaya, the PCCB assessment was part of a wider effort to ensure that solid waste management systems across Tanga adhere to regulatory frameworks while promoting best practices.

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“The 3R approach forms the backbone of sustainable waste management by focusing on reducing waste generation, encouraging reuse of materials and maximising recycling efforts,” she said.

She noted that the 3R strategy is not only about improving cleanliness and hygiene, but also forms part of the government’s broader vision of shifting towards a circular economy. The model reduces the volume of waste ending up in landfills while opening up opportunities for entrepreneurship in recycling and reuse.

Public – private partnerships are being encouraged to support the development of commercial dumpsites and recycling facilities. In addition to promoting compliance and environmental stewardship, Ms Mayaya said the PCCB review also addressed challenges such as delayed payments to waste contractors.

“Our findings helped catalyse discussions and resolutions to clear outstanding debts to waste collection firms. This move is expected to boost the efficiency of waste collection and disposal services,” she added.

She disclosed that, in total, the PCCB conducted systems reviews in 20 areas covering environmental management, public health, agriculture and revenue collection.

The bureau identified multiple shortcomings and presented detailed reports to the relevant authorities. Some of the recommendations have already been acted upon, while others are currently in progress.

Meanwhile, Ms Mayaya reported that monitoring of public projects revealed irregularities in 12 development initiatives valued at 5.46 billion/- during the first quarter of this year. These were part of a broader audit that reviewed 54 projects worth a total of 240.26 billion/-.